Clarification Regarding CISSP Endorsement Timeline and Eligibility

Dear All,

I hope you are doing well.

I successfully passed the CISSP examination on 15 November 2025. At that time, I did not apply for ISC2 Associate status, nor did I submit an endorsement application for CISSP certification because I had only four years of relevant professional experience and therefore did not yet meet the full CISSP experience requirement.

Recently, I completed one of the certifications listed by ISC2 as qualifying for a one-year experience waiver toward the CISSP experience requirement. With this waiver, I now believe that my four years of professional experience, combined with the approved certification, may satisfy the experience requirement for CISSP certification.

I understand that candidates who pass the CISSP examination have a limited period (which I understand to be nine months from the exam date) to complete the necessary post-examination requirements. Based on my calculation, this deadline would fall around 15 August 2026.

My concern is regarding the endorsement and review process. If I now submit my endorsement application with my four years of experience and the qualifying certification for the one-year waiver, will my application remain valid as long as it is submitted before the deadline, even if ISC2's review process extends beyond that date?

Alternatively, would you recommend that I first apply for ISC2 Associate status to ensure I remain within the required timeline and then pursue CISSP certification after the endorsement review is completed?

I would greatly appreciate your guidance on the best course of action to ensure I do not inadvertently lose my eligibility due to processing timelines.

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Clarification Regarding CISSP Endorsement Timeline and Eligibility